Monday, September 29, 2008

Dog Bite On The Rear End?

No Thanks! The unbreakable rule is, NEVER turn away from a dog who is threatening you until the dog has turned away from you. Not only would it hurt immensely to have a chunk out of there, but no fair! One cannot even have the satisfaction of showing off the scars!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Do you see changes in a dog right away?

Yes, the moment that I begin working with the dog he starts flowing with me. Why? Because I work with him on his level and move forward as fast or as slow as he is prepared for. Like I said before and will say again. "Dogs are indivuals, not paint by number"

Friday, September 26, 2008

Is there any hope for this Dog?

Each time I go in to meet a new dog, I have to keep myself objective and really see the truth of the situation. Almost always a dog can be helped and the same question I have asked so many times comes fourth to a new person yet again.

"Are you willing to do what it takes to get what you want?" No matter what kind of change we ask for, it requires diligence and steadfastness.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Let's Stop Dog Bites In America!

Thousands of people are bitten by dogs every year. Most of the injured humans are children. However a dog bite is no less traumatic for a child than it is for an adult or a senior citizen.

Another fact is, most dog bites on people are from small dogs not from large dogs.

I have a neighbor who spent three days in the hospital following a dog bite...due to the trauma of the attack. It was a nasty, aggressive, small dog, too.

A major problem is that very few people even know how to read dog body language... or even how to approach a dog in the first place.

Dogs always give a clear warning before they bite. And dogs are consistent. If they give a warning and you don't heed it, they are going to bite. They don't mess around like humans do.

Some things you should always keep in mind:

(1) Never stick your fingers through a fence to pet a dog.

(2) Pet a dog on the chest when you first meet it, not the head. Petting on the head is threatening to the dog.

(3) Do not make any attempt to touch a dog until after it has smelled you and relaxed.

(4) Dogs operate in scent, sound, and site... always in that order.

(5) Always treat a dog with respect.

Instead of a person taking responsibility himself if he has been bitten, to see if he might have done anything to provoke the dog, the dog is more often than not blamed. Then it is reported. The dog is considered dangerous, and its life is pretty much over.

I would be the first to say you should euthanize vicious dogs. I've done it before. But I'm even faster to say, there should be a requirement that two dog behaviorists must determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that a dog is truly vicious and deserves to die.

The irresponsibility and lack of education of the public needs to stop. And the only way it's going to, is when professionals like me speak up!

The Truth About Dogs

One of the truths about dogs that some people prefer not to hear is that they are animals, and they think and behave like animals.

Dogs have instinctive behaviors that some of us do not like. For example, eating poop is often a way that dogs hide themselves from predators. Or sometimes they will kick lots of dirt and debris over it.

Chasing is an instinct to bring down prey. My Border Collie has a strong desire for this. But because I am his leader, when I direct him to leave something be, he will.

People need to understand that you can control an instinct, but you cannot take it away. You cannot make a dog into a human.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Puppy Biting

When one puppy in the litter bites another puppy too hard, the hurt one cries loudly and stops playing, ignoring the first puppy altogether for a while.

This is what the owners of bitey, mouthy puppies should do, too - "OW!" (nice and loud, showing it really hurt) - Then turn around, walk away, and ignore the mouthy pup. He gets absolutely no attention whatsoever, negative or positive.

Biting stops play.

Let him have about 10 minutes to think about it. Then you can resume play. But if he gets too rough, it's over. Repeat the process.

The pups remember this training from their litter mates, and they respect it.

About Me

Name: Rena Murray

Location: Citrus County, Florida, United States

"DogWhisperWoman," I am a no-nonsense Dog Obedience Trainer & Dog Behaviorist and who dispels myths and boldly tell Animal Lovers the truth about their favorite dogs. Combining "horse whisper" knowledge from family race horses with ardent wolf pack and dog study and experience, I blend my "Dog Whisper Technique" with the best of other methods to match the unique needs of each specific dog and problem. Let me help you with yours!